Biography

An alternative pop band, Julie Plug, was formed in 1992 by singer Des de Leon and guitarist Terry Nicolas. Their influences range from Cocteau Twins, The Smiths, and The Sundays. Barely out of high school, the pair started writing songs reflecting influences from across the pond ranging from guitar-oriented Shoegaze to Britpop. With the addition of Jeffrey Sacramento on bass and drummer Anthony Improgo in 1996, the group signed to an independent label, Classified Records, and began recording its debut album, Starmaker. Jay Averilla joined on bass in October 1997 before Starmaker’s release in February of 1998. The band quickly developed a strong following and with sold-out shows in their hometown of San Francisco. The record immediately found favor on college radio and was often played on Bay Area stations KITS Live 105.3 FM, Alice 97.3 FM, and LA station KROQ 106.7 FM. Rob Uytingco became the band’s drummer in 1999 as the band developed its sound beyond its initial influences while retaining pop sensibilities. With the band’s upbeat sound defined by Des De Leon Nicolas’ introspective songwriting and voice often described by music magazines as “ethereal”, the band’s sound was likened to “a blissful feeling befitting John Hughes movies” as the band quickly found its music on primetime television shows which included eight episodes on Dawson’s Creek as well as several independent films.